Pair of LSU defenders among SEC Players of the Week
LSU delivered one of the league’s most impressive performances this week in a 31-16 win over Mississippi State to kick off its conference slate.
The play of the defense was especially noteworthy against the Bulldogs’ air-raid passing attack, almost entirely neutralizing it in the second half as MSU scored just three points. After such a strong defensive performance, it’s not a surprise to see a pair of Tigers defenders receive accolades from the league office this week.
Jay Ward was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week after a career game. Ward moved from safety to nickel for this one, and the result was an 11-tackle performance that also resulted in a game-clinching fourth-quarter interception.
#SECFB 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊
ᴅᴇꜰᴇɴꜱɪᴠᴇJay Ward • @LSUfootball
🔗 https://t.co/EOiPgExdCf pic.twitter.com/VSs3GFKdpD
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) September 19, 2022
Meanwhile, BJ Ojulari made his return to the field after missing the win against Southern, and he was named the league’s Defensive Lineman of the Week after totaling four tackles (2.5 for loss) and 1.5 sacks.
#SECFB 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊
ᴅᴇꜰᴇɴꜱɪᴠᴇ ʟɪɴᴇᴍᴀɴBJ Ojulari • @LSUfootball
🔗 https://t.co/EOiPgExdCf pic.twitter.com/ZbctXqBtHC
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) September 19, 2022
The LSU defense was expected to be much improved this fall, and though it struggled in the opener against Florida State and lost defensive tackle Maason Smith for the year on the first drive of the season, it seems to be getting its bearings.
If players like Ward and Ojulari continue to play like this, defensive coordinator Matt House could have a strong unit by the end of the season.
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